leaving them to their own devices?

[calamityjane]

i did search the archives first but found nothing. surely this questions been asked a hundred times.
and i'm sure everone has a diff answer, but how long do ya'll leave your layers on their own for? with full feed and water supply, ample coop size and secure run of course. will they start eating their eggs? or go broody? is a couple of days generally ok? 3? 4?
all opinions welcome.
thanks!

 

[arlee453]

Depends on how long you can be ABSOLUTELY sure their water and feed won't run out.

I'd not worry about 2 days, but anything past that I'd be worried that the water ran out, or something happened. I'd want someone to check on them at least every other day while i was gone. that's just me

 

[wegotchickens]

I agree with arlee. Especially since freak things can happen, and a 5-day water supply can mysteriously disappear in 24 hours.

 

[DDRanch]

I don't leave them on their own for more than 24 hours. Too much can happen so I have made arrangements with a neighbor to care for them if I am gone and she gets to keep the eggs.

Anne